I've thought long and hard, but I believe I need to explore the IGH universe next instead of SS. Inquired at two of the shops in town about converting my current frame over to IGH and the estimates are $500-$1000, which is just too costly- especially when I can just buy another rig that has IGH. While the following aren't exactly my cup of tea when it comes to frame geometry, my budget dictates function over form instead of both.

These are what I can get locally:

-2011 Giant Via 1 is on the floor at my primary LBS in my size.
-KHS Green of unknown year or size also at the same LBS, but could order correct size.
-KHS Cidi-3 at that same shop.
-OR any number of choices from BD- where I could get 8spds for the price of 3 from the LBS. Note if I go this route, I would opt for the base and not the 'Deluxe' models, as the rear racks just don't appeal to me- but I'll be putting one on of my own choosing.

This will be for riding in and around my town. Not totally flat, but all of the true hills are outside of town proper.

Of the bunch, is there any that you would absolutely shy away from if you were the one buying?

I've thought long and hard, but I believe I need to explore the IGH universe next instead of SS. Inquired at two of the shops in town about converting my current frame over to IGH and the estimates are $500-$1000, which is just too costly-

$500-$1000??????? YIKES!

If you like your current SS and simply want to give the IGH a go, why not buy an IGH rear wheel, a shifter, and cables ($125-300 depending on the model you choose), an install it yourself for a fraction of what your LBS is quoting (or try another bike shop)? It is really simple to do if you are somewhat comfortable with basic bike mechanics.

That said, the BD Kennsington 8 is a screamin' deal IMO.

If you prefer a less upright style, the Torker Graduate has received what seems to be a pretty good reputation thus far.

Ah, point of clarification: When I said I wanted to explore the IGH universe instead of SS, I meant that coming from a derailleur equipped bike.

The Trek shop that quoted me a grand to convert mine over to IGH and tried to sell me on a Soho instead? They didn't know if they could put a IGH on the Earl, either- and I know that at least the SA S2C will fit...

Sometimes I think that unless the shop is enthuastic and fully supports any given technology, then they will come up with any kind of excuse to down play it and try to sell what works for them.

If you like your current SS and simply want to give the IGH a go, why not buy an IGH rear wheel, a shifter, and cables ($125-300 depending on the model you choose), an install it yourself for a fraction of what your LBS is quoting (or try another bike shop)? It is really simple to do if you are somewhat comfortable with basic bike mechanics.

+1 It's not that big of a deal to find/buy a rear wheel with an IGH. If you are converting a bike with vertical drops you also might need a chain tensioner along with the shifter and cables. Not a difficult conversion at all.

Tell me about it. Of the nandful that have dealings with SBS in my area and are listed on the Torker dealer list, the closest one that actually stocks and sells is more than an 1.5 hours away drive time. Since we are car light and my wife works second shift, I'd be hard pressed to drive out there and spend enough time kicking the tires.

Apparently, either Torker or their parent SBS has now mandated a minimum order policy. As a result, none of the local shops can or will order a single bike- they don't want to order a bunch of inventory just for one sale.

I've thought long and hard, but I believe I need to explore the IGH universe next instead of SS. Inquired at two of the shops in town about converting my current frame over to IGH and the estimates are $500-$1000, which is just too costly- especially when I can just buy another rig that has IGH. While the following aren't exactly my cup of tea when it comes to frame geometry, my budget dictates function over form instead of both.

These are what I can get locally:

-2011 Giant Via 1 is on the floor at my primary LBS in my size.
-KHS Green of unknown year or size also at the same LBS, but could order correct size.
-KHS Cidi-3 at that same shop.
-OR any number of choices from BD- where I could get 8spds for the price of 3 from the LBS. Note if I go this route, I would opt for the base and not the 'Deluxe' models, as the rear racks just don't appeal to me- but I'll be putting one on of my own choosing.

This will be for riding in and around my town. Not totally flat, but all of the true hills are outside of town proper.

Of the bunch, is there any that you would absolutely shy away from if you were the one buying?

I actually just converted my bike to an Shimano Nexus 8 speed IGH last month Post with pictures of the bike after conversion. I did it via my LBS and it did cost the 500-1000 range, but that included:
2 hand built wheels
new chainring
Jtek bar end shifter
105 front hub
Shimanio Nexus 8speed redband SG-8R36
Labor
Warranty/Maintenance on wheels/work done.

I am sure I could have pulled it off for cheaper by buying the wheels pre-built online. If I would have done that I could have mostly put it all together by myself. My LBS is about 600ft from my front door and so I want to make sure to support them.

Apparently, either Torker or their parent SBS has now mandated a minimum order policy. As a result, none of the local shops can or will order a single bike- they don't want to order a bunch of inventory just for one sale.

That's too bad. My closest LBS carries Torker adult tricycles, but not regular bikes. They said they couldn't get one for me to try...don't know why not. Anyway, I found my Graduate on Craigslist.

+1 It's not that big of a deal to find/buy a rear wheel with an IGH. If you are converting a bike with vertical drops you also might need a chain tensioner along with the shifter and cables. Not a difficult conversion at all.

Anyone aware of any IGHs prelaced into a wheel that would fit into a frame with a OLD of 120? I can get a SS with more appealing frame geometry to me for about the same price as some of the IGH bikes, but if I can't upgrade the gearing some (in case I prove my suspicions right about needing more than one gear), then I'll just stick with the IGH models listed above.

I'm still liking my base model Windsor Oxford 3 from Bikes Direct. I only have a couple hundred miles on it so far. Of the bikes you listed, the only other one I have experience with is the Giant Via 1. My LBS has the Via 3 (single speed) in my size, and the Via 1 in a size too small for me. The ride of the Via 3 is very nice, quite similar to the BD bike, but coming from the factory with the riser handlebars instead of the swept back North Road style bars like the BD bike. I prefer the riser bars, and promptly put a set that I already had on my BD bike.

Have you checked out the scratch and dent offerings at bikeisland? They always have a few of these cafe express 8 bikes for $350 or less. One time I had a hard time turning down buying one when it was less than $300.

Are you sure that the chainstays on the WT5 are too short? I am eyeing either that or the WT (depending on my comfort level with the idea of an IGH at any given time), but I am a rack/panniers man and need to know.

Are you sure that the chainstays on the WT5 are too short? I am eyeing either that or the WT (depending on my comfort level with the idea of an IGH at any given time), but I am a rack/panniers man and need to know.

Well, I have chain stays of 16.3" on my 26" wheeled Kona and experience heel strike. According to the specs provided by BD on the WT5, it has chain stays of 15.7" with 700c wheels. The added height of the 700c wheel might minimize the issue with the same chain stay length, but since the WT5 is bringing the load up and closer, I'm not willing to gamble.

Well, I have chain stays of 16.3" on my 26" wheeled Kona and experience heel strike. According to the specs provided by BD on the WT5, it has chain stays of 15.7" with 700c wheels. The added height of the 700c wheel might minimize the issue with the same chain stay length, but since the WT5 is bringing the load up and closer, I'm not willing to gamble.

Back to the drawing board. The Windsor TimeLine has longer chainstays.

REI will put out a 20% coupon that is good for bikes come late March/early April. They only offer the 20% off on bikes once a year so if you interested in a Novara bike that is the time to purchase. I have the 2010 Novara Transfer and I think it is great. Mine was a little over $600 including tax and oversized shipping to my house. The price is $700 now compared to $650 at the time I bought mine, still a good deal for all you get.

My LBS ( http://www.bellbikes.com/pages/index.php ) will order & lace in a new 7 speed IGH on my wheel for $265.00. I didn't do it because I decided to go with a different bike (I had the Schwinn Voyageur IG3), a Puma Nevis, instead. I'll eventually get an IGH'd bike, lighter in weight than my Nevis, eventually.

For now, for commuting, I'm enjoying the Puma!!! But, IMO, an IGH is the way to go for me when I commute.

Anyone aware of any IGHs prelaced into a wheel that would fit into a frame with a OLD of 120? I can get a SS with more appealing frame geometry to me for about the same price as some of the IGH bikes, but if I can't upgrade the gearing some (in case I prove my suspicions right about needing more than one gear), then I'll just stick with the IGH models listed above.

My S-A S2 two speed hub fits 120. I believe the S-A 3 speeds are available for this OLD too.